What is WebUSB? How It Helps Connecting USB Devices To The Web

Now, when most of our computing needs require the use of the internet, why not USB devices? Mostly, the word USB triggers in our mind, stuff like flash drives, mice, keyboards, gamepads, etc.

Browser support for these traditional devices is available through various high-level API’s. But the USB interface supports a broader variety of devices that most of us are unaware, ranging across industrial, scientific, and educational fields.

Also Read: What Is A “Certified Android Device”? Google Tells How Can You Spot One

Allowing the USB devices to connect to web apps directly is a big step towards simplifying and doing things faster. And WebUSB can play a significant role here. It’s a specification that describes how USB devices can be accessed from web pages.

We can add support for WebUSB in browsers via the WebUSB API. The recently released Chrome 61 includes the same as one of the important developer features.

With WebUSB API, the process for a web app to access a USB storage device or other peripheral is as simple as attaching it to a computer and making a few clicks after a notification shows up automatically.

The system would be able to decipher on its own which website to go for the device. Once you visit the website, you would be able to select the devices from the list.

Google says the bridging is done without compromising on security. Relevant measures are implemented to prevent the exposed USB devices from attacks as WebUSB opens up a new array of risks related to safety and privacy.

WebUSB API also solves a problem that occurs for the manufacturers of non-standard USB devices. The API eliminates the need for writing native drivers and SDK’s to enable support for such hardware, and allow manufacturers to build cross-platform JavaScript SDK’s for developers.

The applications with WebUSB API are diverse that one could assume; they’re more than a website accessing your pen drive’s data through your browser. For instance, WebUSB can act as a medium for students using development boards (like Arduino) to directly connect to the developer tools available online, instead of using some specially created interface between the browser and the hardware.

More and more academic institutions are shifting towards digital modes of education. Various computerized measurement and data logging devices used in Science courses require a separate piece of software to be installed, putting an extra burden on the shoulders of the IT department. Becuase there could be tens of computers on which software needs to be installed.

WebUSB API can also allow hardware makers to issue software updates and perform diagnostics on the connected USB devices, directly through their support site.

Another example can be given of a website that features 3D print designs. Wouldn’t it be great if the site could command your 3D printer to throw out the 3D models you like?

WebUSB is still growing. And if not immediately but in the coming future, websites would start integrating your USB devices.

You can read more about WebUSB using this link.

If you have something to add, drop your thoughts and feedback.